Free delivery on orders over £80HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GORE-TEX Review
Watch The Review Here:
Photos: Andy Johnson
A versatile hiker boot designed to tread lighter. We took the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid for a hike in the hills to see how its new technology and recycled materials fair in the mud.
Written Review Contents: | Summary | Our Tester | Initial Thoughts | Thoughts after a few weeks | Recommended for
Key Stats
- Model: Anacapa 2 Mid GTX (Women's & Men's)
- Ideal for: Hiking on wet and very muddy routes
- Main Features: GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, rubber toe cap, quick hook lace system
- Stack Height:
- Men's: Heel/forefoot: 45mm/38mm
- Women's: Heel/forefoot: 34mm/27mm
- Drop: 7mm
- Width: Narrow to mid
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole
- Price: £160
Summary
Scrutinised through the lens of sustainability, HOKA has reimagined their beloved Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX with a renewed focus on earth-friendly materials.
Updated with recycled yarn meshes, they’ve enlisted a 30% sugarcane EVA midsole and Vibram® Megagrip outsole. Finished with metal speed hooks and a rubber toe cap, there’s no telling where this hiker will take you.
Our Tester
Rob – Before beginning the review of the new HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GORE-TEX Walking Boots I would like to introduce my experience in the wilderness. Although I have not been walking for a very long time I have quickly fallen in love with the outdoors. My true passion lives through hiking or multi-day hikes such as the West Highland Way and hiking through the desert in Jordan. I love the experience of being completely immersed in nature as you hike into the wilderness.
As well as long-distance routes, I also try and head to the Peaks or Lake District a few times a month for smaller walks and camping. For me, being outside is a crucial part of my life and I try to spend as much time as I can in nature.
In most boots and shoes, I wear a UK size 8 with a foot shape that would be considered narrow to mid, with a slightly high instep. I personally find lightweight boots most comfortable, with the most miles walked in a pair of Salomon X-ULTRA 3’s. I also use the La Sportiva Ultra-Raptor GORE-TEX Shoes on shorter walks. I have some issues pronating and have found great success using the SIDAS outdoor mid-insoles.
Initial Thoughts
Starting with the vibrant blue box, the experience of first opening the Anacapa 2 Mid was very nice. As a company in general, HOKA uses bright colourways throughout their shoes. The Anacapa 2 Mid, although more subdued, still adds that pop of colour with its dark blue and red colour scheme.
The boots instantly felt soft and comfortable as soon as they were on the feet due to the large foam insole and full-size rocker that HOKA is known for. The upper is supportive and foamy whilst still providing a reasonable amount of ankle support. Although slimmer than the previous generation, the Anacapa 2 is still a medium to wide-fitting boot that accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. I felt they fit slightly smaller than a standard UK size 8 and would consider sizing up half a size. It’s always important to try any footwear on before buying. If you’re unsure about your size, head into one of our shops for a fitting.
As soon as I started hiking in the boots in the Lake District, I was incredibly impressed. I felt as though they provided support on the ankles while remaining soft and easy to walk in. The rocker-shaped midsole and incredibly soft foam make each step effortless and light.
During the first walk, I went through a large range of conditions such as rocky uphill, soft ground in bogs and walking through forests; and I felt secure and stable throughout. I have also taken these boots on shorter hikes in the Peak District in drier conditions and felt the boot worked even better on slightly harder ground allowing the midsole to provide maximum cushioning.
Thoughts after a few weeks
After taking these boots on a range of trips both shorter and longer I feel as though they made a permanent rotation in my hiking boots. For such a lightweight comfortable package the Anacapa 2 provides incredible support and leads to a great walking experience.
My favourite thing about the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid must be the incredible midsole design used throughout HOKA’s shoes. The instant comfort provided by the boots is truly remarkable.
However, I don’t think that this boot is perfect for every situation and is best suited for shorter hikes. On a longer walk with a heavier pack, I would prefer a stiffer, more supportive boot. This leads to my least favourite aspect of the boot. As they are only a mid-boot, the Anacapa cannot provide as much ankle support as a bigger boot, and I feel sometimes I would be happy with a walking shoe instead and save some extra weight.
Recommended for
I feel as though these boots are perfect for anyone who is new to hiking and looking at purchasing their first pair. The instant comfort provided by the almost trainer-like boot will appeal to those who haven’t had much experience in a more traditional boot whilst still providing added ankle support for uneven surfaces.
The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid is available at Ellis Brigham in-store and on our website - Women's and Men's
